UN refuses to join US-led Gaza aid mission, citing neutrality concerns

New York (Web Desk): The United Nations (UN) has announced that it will not participate in a US-backed humanitarian operation in Gaza, citing concerns that the plan does not align with its core principles of impartiality, neutrality, and independence.

This decision was communicated by UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq, who told reporters that the distribution plan proposed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) does not meet the UN's basic standards, and thus, they will not take part in the initiative.

The US-backed GHF is set to begin its work in Gaza by the end of May, though the distribution plan has been heavily criticized. The foundation has requested Israel to allow the UN and other organizations to resume humanitarian deliveries in Gaza immediately, ahead of the GHF's operations.

Additionally, it has called for Israel to extend the limited number of secure aid distribution sites from Gaza's southern region to its northern region within the next 30 days.

In response, Israel's Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, acknowledged the efforts of the United States but stated that Israel would not fund the operation.

He clarified that Israel's role would be limited to facilitating the operation, ensuring that it runs smoothly, but without direct involvement in aid deliveries.

Danon also emphasized that Israel would not be present in the operation centers, and that the GHF, led by the US, would manage the distribution independently, with support from various NGOs.

This humanitarian initiative comes as Gaza faces a severe crisis, with no aid deliveries having been made since March 2. A global hunger monitor has warned that half a million people in the enclave are at risk of starvation.

The situation is further complicated by accusations from Israel that Hamas is stealing aid, a claim which Hamas denies.

Israel has stated that no humanitarian assistance will be allowed into Gaza until all hostages held by Hamas are released.

While Israel and the US have urged the UN and aid organizations to cooperate with the GHF, there are ongoing concerns about whether the operation will adhere to the humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence.

Despite these concerns, Israel remains committed to facilitating the aid delivery, even as it continues to stress that it will not take an active role in the operation itself.